Ear impression apparatus



P 1965 A. M. RUBIO 3,208,102

EAR IMPRESSION APPARATUS Filed Oct. 12. 1962 //V VE N TOR 14L FRED RUB/0 ATTUR/VEYS United States Patent 3,208,102 EAR IMPRESSION APPARATUS Alfred M. Rubin, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Beltone Electronics Corporation, a corporation of Illinois Filed Oct. 12, 1962, Ser. No. 230,215 2 Claims. (Cl. 18-5.1)

This invention relates generally to earmold impression apparatus and more particularly to new and useful improvements in self-contained earmold impression apparatus characterized by a uniquely high degree of simplicity and speed of use.

In the prior art practice of making ear impressions, for use in the fitting of hearing aids and components thereof, it has been common to provide the powder ear impression material and the liquid catalyst in separate containers. When an ear impression is to be made, the user removes the ear impression material and the catalyst from their separate containers, mixes them in a bowl with a spatula and then inserts the mixture into the ear canal from the outside by a suitable dispening device, to form the ear impression.

This prior art procedure has not proved entirely satisfactory since the mixing of the two materials in an open mixing bowl may result in the mixture becoming contaminated before it is inserted in the ear canal. In addition, the various steps required are time consuming and may unduly disturb or excite the patient whose ear impression is to be made.

Accordingly, it is a general object of the invention to provide new and improved self-contained earmold impression apparatus which successfully overcomes the difficulties of the prior art.

It is another object of this invention to provide a new and improved self-contained earmold impression apparatus which permits the earmold impression to be made in a more sanitary, faster and easier manner than heretofore possible.

It is a more particular object of this invention to provide novel earmold impression apparatus which comprises a single package or container formed of flexible material, said container comprising separate sealed compartments individually containing the ear impression material and the catalyst in noncontacting relation with each other.

It is another object of this invention to provide novel earmold impression apparatus, as above, wherein the ear mold impression material and the catalyst are mixed by kneading of the single flexible package or container, after the sealed compartments therewithin are opened as by pressure or the removal of a dividing barrier therebetween.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a novel earmold impression apparatus, as above, wherein the single flexible package or container is provided with a shaped injection nozzle at one end thereof for enabling the mixed impression material and catalyst to be injected into the ear by inserting the nozzle adjacent the ear canal for filling the ear canal progressively from the bottom as the nozzle is withdrawn therefrom.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide a new and improved self-contained earmold impression apparatus which is characterized by its relative ease and simplicity of use, as well as its freedom from possible contamination.

The novel features which are characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

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FIGURE 1 is a perspective View of one illustrative embodiment of a self-contained earmold impression apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a cross sectional view taken substantially as shown along line 2-2 of the self-contained earmold impression apparatus of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a cross sectional view taken substantially as shown along line 33 of the injection nozzle which forms a part of the self-contained earmold impression apparatus of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of self-contained earmold impression apparatus in accordance with the invention;

FIGURE 5 is a top plan view of the embodiment of earmold impression apparatus shown in FIGURE 4; and

FIGURE 6 is a pictorial view illustrating the use of the present invention in making an earmold impression.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGURES 1 through 3 thereof, there is illustrated one preferred embodiment of self-contained earmold impression apparatus constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. As there shown, the earmold impression apparatus, generally identified as 10, takes the form of a single package or container comprising separate sealed compartments adapted to individually contain the powder earmold impression material and the liquid catalyst therefor in non-contacting relation with each other. Advantageously, in the embodiment of FIG- URES 1 through 3, the single container comprises an outer compartment 12 formed of a suitable flexible sheet material, as for example, polyvinyl chloride plastic material or the like. Advantageously, the single package outer compartment 12 is sealed, as by heat, at its peripheral edges 14, 16, 18 and 20 so as to provide a completely enclosed sealed container for the earmold impression powder 30 positioned therewithin.

In accordance with the feature of this invention, one corner of the sealed compartment 12, as formed for ex ample, by the junction of the edges 18 and 20 shown in FIGURE 1, is provided with an elongated injection nozzle 22. The injection nozzle 22 may be formed by stiifening or rigidifying the flexible plastic material forming the outer compartment 12, or in the alternative, the nozzle 22 may be formed by inserting a soft rubber or plastic tube between the flexible sheet material forming the compartment before it is sealed. FIGURE 3 clearly shows the latter embodiment wherein soft rubber or plastic tube 24 is inserted within the plastic envelope 12.

In accordance with another feature of this invention, an inner sealed compartment 26 is fixedly positioned within the enclosure formed by the outer sealed compartment 12. Advantageously, the inner sealed compartment 26 may be formed of a suitable breakable material, such as a rigid plastic or the like, which is adapted to be ruptured or broken when pressure is applied to the inner compartment 26 through the outer compartment 12. Thus, in the use of the invention, the inner sealed compartment 26 is filled with a suitable liquid catalyst 28 of the type well known in the art which is adapted to be mixed with the earmold impression powder 30 to place the latter in condition for insertion into the ear to form the earmold impression.

It will be appreciated that the novel earmold impression apparatus is assembled by first filling the inner compartment or tube 26 with the liquid catalyst 28 and sealing the inner compartment, as by heat or the like, so that the inner compartment 26 may be inserted together with the earmold impression powder 30 within the outer compartment 12. The edges of the outer compartment 12 then are sealed, as by heat or the like, to provide a finished package for a completely self-contained earmold impression kit. When it is desired to make an earmold impression, the inner compartment 26 is broken, as by applying finger pressure thereto through the outer compartment 12, to thereby permit the catalyst liquid 28 to mix w th the earmold impression powder 30. Due to the flexibility of the outer compartment 12, the earmold impression powder 30 and the catalyst 28 may be thoroughly mixed, as by kneading the outer compartment 12 thoroughly a number of times until a good and proper mixture of the earmold impression powder and the catalyst is obtained.

At this point, the injection nozzle 22 may be opened by inserting a sharp instrument through the in ect on nozzle opening, or by cutting off the plastic tip which covers the injection nozzle opening, to enable the mixed earmold impression powder and the catalyst to be dispensed from the container into the ear. In accordance with the novel feature of this invention, the use of the injection nozzle 22 is facilitated by the soft rubber or plastic tube 24 and by its elongated shape which permit the nozzle 22 to be positioned within the ear canal so as to be closely adjacent the eardrum. It is desirable in the use of the invention to insert a cotton pellet or ball into the ear canal adjacent the drum before the earmold impression material is inserted therein, so as to protect the eardrum. Advantageously, the cotton pellet or ball may have a string or thread attached thereto for facilitating removal of the earmold after the operation is completed.

After the injection nozzle 22 is positioned closely adjacent the eardrum during the initial stage of the earmold impression operation, the flexible container 12 is squeezed to dispense the earmold impression powder and catalyst mixture into the ear canal. Preferably, the outer container 12 is squeezed as it is slowly withdrawn from the ear so that the ear canal is filled from the bottom as the nozzle is withdrawn. Manifestly, the filling of the ear canal from the bottom in this manner provides a better earmold impression than that which would be obtained if the earmold impression material were merely dropped or poured into the ear canal from its outer opening.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGURES 4 and of the drawings. Advantageously, this alternative embodiment of the invention comprises'only a single outer container 12, formed of a flexible plastic material such as that described hereinabove with respect to the embodiments of FIGURES 1, 2, and 3. Also, like the embodiments of FIGURES 1, 2 and 3, the embodiment of FIGURES 4 and 5 comprises two enclosures for respectively enclosing the ear impression powder 30 and the liquid catalyst 28 therefor in separate compartments which are maintained in non-contacting relation with each other. In accordance with a feature of this invention, this isolation between the earmold impression powder and the liquid catalyst within the single outer container 12 is provided by means of a locking member positioned around the sealed outer container 12 and adapted to tightly squeeze the container 12 into two separate compartments, 40 and 42, respectively. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking member positioned around the outer sealed container 12 comprises a U-shaped split pin 32 having a pair of upstanding legs 34 and 36 positioned respectively on opposite sides of the sealed container 12. A suitable fastening member or collar 38 is positioned over the upstanding legs 34 and 36 of the split pin 32 such that when the collar 38 is pressed downwardly, the split pin legs are pulled together to squeeze the outer container 12 into two separate compartments 40 and 42. Thus, the isolating barrier provided by the action of the locking member 32 serves to maintain the earmold impression powder within the compartment 42 out of contact with the liquid catalyst within the compartment 40 until the earmold impression apparatus is ready for use.

When the earmold impression apparatus of FIGURES 4 and 5 is to be used, the collar 38 is removed to release the legs of the split pin 32 from the outer container 12 such that the earmold impression powder and the liquid catalyst may be mixed together within the container 12, as by kneading the container in a suitable fashion and for a proper period of time. When the two components are thus properly mixed, the injection nozzle 22 provided in one corner of the container 12, in the manner described hereinabove, is opened as by puncturing or clipping the plastic cover thereover. The injection nozzle 22 then may be inserted into the ear canal at a position adjacent the eardrum, as described hereinabove, for filling the ear canal from the bottom with the earmold impressionpowder and catalyst mixture so as to provide a highly desirable earmold impression.

Thus, the invention comprises a unique and highly advantageous self-contained apparatus for enabling the mixing and dispensing of earmold impression material into the ear canal from the bottom of the canal to form and the liquid catalyst therefor within a single sealed outer container makes it possible for these components to be mixed without disturbing or'exciting the patient. In addi-- tion, the provision of the two components within a single outer container makes it easier and quicker to form the earmold impression within the ear.

Still further, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the elongated injection nozzle 22 having a soft rubber or plastic tube 24 positioned therewithin permits the ear canal to be filled from the bottom as the nozzle is withdrawn from the canal, as illustrated in FIGURE 6 of the drawing, to thereby insure a better impression. It also will be appreciated that the features of the invention provide an earmold impression operation which is cleaner in emphasizing the sanitary quality of the impression material, and further permits any surplus material to be more easily disposed of by merely throwing the container away after the impression operation is completed.

If desired, the entire, self-contained earmold impression apparatus may be sealed in a protective container, such as a clear plastic bag, so that the impression material may be mixed before removal of the apparatus from the protective container, thereby ensuring the sanitary quality of the nozzle before its insertion in the patients ear.

While there has been shown and described several specific embodiments of the present invention, it will, of course, be understood that various modifications and alternative constructions may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. There fore, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such mod fications and alternative constructions as fall within their true spirit and scope.

What is claimed as the invention is:

1. The improvement of earmold impression apparatus comprising the combination of a sealed container formed of flexible material, said c ontainer having a dispensing nozzle attached thereto, which dispensing nozzle comprises soft resilient material and is shaped for insertion within the ear canal, earm said container, said barrier means comprising a locking member positioned around said sealed container for tightly squeezing the latter into two compartments and,

beingadaptedfor easy removal to enable said earmold impression material and said catalyst to be mixed, within. the flexible container by kneading thereof, said mixedearmold impression material and said catalyst being dispensed to form an earmold by the insertion of the shaped nozzle within the ear. canal adjacent the eardrum and by withdrawing said nozzle while the flexible container is old impression material and a being squeezed to fill the ear canal and outer ear with said mixture.

2. The improvement of earmold impression apparatus comprising the combination of a sealed container formed of flexible material, said container having a dispensing nozzle attached thereto, which dispensing nozzle is shaped for insertion within the ear canal, ear mold impression material and a catalyst therefore positioned in separate compartments within said container, and compartment barrier means for separating said earmold impression material and said catalyst in non-contacting relation with each other within said container, said barrier means comprising a U-shaped locking member having a pair of legs positioned around said container for tightly squeezing the latter into tWo compa tments being adapted for easy removal to enable said earmold impression material and said catalyst to be mixed Within the flexible container by kneading thereof, said mixed earmold impression material and said catalyst being dispensed to form an earmold by the insertion of the shaped nozzle Within the ear canal adjacent the eardrum and by withdrawing said nozzle while the flexible container is being squeezed to fill the ear canal and outer ear with said mixture.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,281,227 4/42 Brady 264-222 2,370,389 2/45 Bessin 264-222 2,424,278 7/47 Kunkel 264-222 2,517,027 8/50 Rado 206-56 2,553,513 5/51 Dennison et al. 206-47 XR 2,687,130 8/54 Cohen 206-47 XR 2,714,974 8/55 Sawyer 206-47 XR 2,915,782 12/59 James 18-5.l 2,924,849 2/60 Buchman 185.1

OTHER REFERENCES Twin Tube Adhesive, from magazine Modern Packaging, July 1956, pages 82 and 83.

WILLIAM J. STEPHENSON, Primary Examiner. 

1. THE IMPROVEMENT OF EARMOLD IMPRESSION APPARATUS COMPRISING THE COMBINATION OF A SEALED CONTAINER FORMED OF FLEXIBLE MATERIAL, SAID CONTAINER HAVING A DISPENSING NOZZLE ATTACHED THERETO, WHICH DISPENSING NOZZLE COMPRISES SOFT RESILIENT MATERIAL AND IS SHAPED FOR INSERTION WITHIN THE EAR CANAL, EARMOLD IMPRESSION MATERIAL AND A CATALYST IN NON-CONTACTING RELATION WITH EACH OTHER WITHIN WITHIN SAID CONTAINER, AND COMPARTMENT BARRIER MEANS FOR SEPARATING SAID EARMOLD IMPRESSION MATERIAL AND SAID CATALYST IN NON-CONTACTING RELATION WITH EACH OTHER WITHIN SAID CONTAINER, SAID BARRIER MEANS COMPRISING A LOCKING MEMBER POSITIONED AROUND SAID SEALED CONTAINER FOR TIGHTLY SQUEEZING THE LATTER INTO TWO COMPARTMENTS AND BEING ADAPTED FOR EASY REMOVAL TO ENABLE SAID EARMOLD IMPRESSION MATERIAL AND SAID CATALYST TO BE MIXED WITHIN THE FLEXIBLE CONTAINER BY KNEADING THEREOF, SAID MIXED EARMOLD IMPRESSION MATERIAL AND SAID CATALYST BEING DISPENSED TO FORM AN EARMOLD BY THE INSERTION OF THE SHAPED NOZZLE WITHIN THE EAR CANAL ADJACENT THE EARDRUM AND BY WITHDRAWING SAID NOZZLE WHILE THE FLEXIBLE CONTAINER IS BEING SQUEEZED TO FILL THE EAR CANAL AND OUTER EAR WITH SAID MIXTURE. 